Why Christians Need to Stand Up — Live With Riley Gaines at Dream City Church
Mar 9, 2025
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Riley Gaines, an NCAA champion swimmer and a fierce advocate for women in sports, shares her journey at Dream City Church. She discusses how her activism has strengthened her faith and emphasizes the importance of Christians standing up for themselves. Topics include the ongoing battles surrounding gender identity in sports, the church's role in addressing contemporary issues, and the emotional pressures faced in today's discourse. Gaines calls for compassion and truth in advocacy, urging the Christian community to engage more actively in societal debates.
Churches must engage in controversial discussions to provide moral guidance and prevent congregants from seeking secular alternatives.
Pastors should prioritize biblical correctness over political correctness in order to maintain moral leadership within their communities.
Women are urged to reclaim their identities in Christianity, challenging modern feminism that deviates from biblical teachings.
Deep dives
The Role of the Church in Public Discourse
The importance of churches engaging in public discussions on controversial topics is emphasized, arguing that they should not remain muted. It is suggested that churches should take an active role in addressing pressing societal issues rather than confining themselves to non-controversial subjects. This approach is framed as essential for moral guidance, as congregations often seek counsel on relevant and urgent matters. The speaker argues that failing to address these issues could drive individuals to seek guidance from secular institutions, which diminishes church attendance and relevance.
Defining Biblical Truth Amidst Cultural Pressure
A strong emphasis is placed on the need for pastors to prioritize biblical correctness over political correctness when addressing sensitive issues. The speaker contends that many pastors avoid discussing contentious topics out of fear of backlash or cancelation, resulting in a lack of moral leadership within their congregations. It's highlighted that truth-telling, even if it offends some, should be considered more important than conforming to societal expectations. This call to action underscores that churches should not shy away from engaging deeply with cultural debates, especially when they pertain to moral and biblical truths.
The Crisis of Female Sports and the Impact of Transgender Policies
There is an urgent discussion around the impact of transgender athletes on women's sports, highlighting real-life instances where female athletes have felt marginalized. It is presented that policies allowing biological men to compete in women's sports are viewed as unfair, causing significant concern for preserving women's rights and achievements in athletics. The speaker presents statistics indicating that biological males have claimed numerous awards in female sports categories, raising alarms about the integrity of women's competitions. This issue is framed as a focal point for advocacy and action to protect the rights of female athletes.
Spiritual Warfare in Societal Issues
The conversation touches upon the beliefs that societal challenges, particularly around the transgender issue, are indicative of a deeper spiritual battle. The speaker proposes that the phenomenon of gender identity confusion has manifested as a rebellion against God's design, suggesting that it reflects broader societal rejection of biblical truths. Such views argue that society's drift towards secularism and moral relativism has only exacerbated conflicts related to gender identity and expression. The call is made for individuals to recognize these issues not just as social debates, but as spiritual struggles that require vigilant responses.
Empowerment and Responsibility Within the Church Community
The need for church members to actively participate in addressing societal issues and engaging their communities is reinforced. Congregants are encouraged to challenge church leadership when necessary, advocating for discussions that reflect not just biblical teachings but also the challenges faced in contemporary society. Women, in particular, are called upon to reclaim narratives that empower their identities within the framework of Christianity, distancing themselves from modern interpretations of feminism that do not align with biblical principles. The overall message promotes a grassroots approach, urging individuals to take personal responsibility in furthering these discussions and fostering a supportive community.
Enjoy Charlie's speech with Riley Gaines at Dream City Church in Phoenix where she discusses how standing up for women in sports helped grow her faith, the importance of Christians everywhere standing up for themselves, and more.
To get your copy of Pastor Allen’s new book, Angels, Demons and You, visit allenjackson.com/angels.
